In an exhilarating display of cricketing talent, Radha Yadav led India Women to a remarkable performance against New Zealand Women in the second ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With her breathtaking fielding and impressive bowling figures of 4/69, Yadav not only made headlines but also reinforced her status as one of the most valuable players in the Indian women’s cricket team.
Match Overview
India entered this match with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, having secured a solid victory in the first ODI by 59 runs. This time, New Zealand, led by captain Sophie Devine, won the toss and chose to bat first. The New Zealand openers, Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, got off to a flying start, putting together an 87-run partnership that put India on the back foot early in the game.
Radha Yadav’s Incredible Fielding
Radha Yadav’s exceptional fielding skills were on full display as she pulled off two stunning catches that shifted the momentum in India’s favor. Her first sensational catch came when she dived acrobatically to her right to dismiss Plimmer, who had been in excellent form. This catch not only showcased her agility but also set the tone for India’s bowling attack.
Catch Highlights
- Georgia Plimmer’s Dismissal: Plimmer flicked a delivery from Deepti Sharma, only to see Yadav’s brilliance at play. The left-arm spinner’s commitment and timing were impeccable, leading to Plimmer’s dismissal for 41 runs.
- Brooke Halliday’s Stunner: Yadav wasn’t done yet. Later in the match, she ran back towards the extra cover region to take a full-stretch catch off Priya Mishra’s bowling, sending Halliday back to the pavilion. This remarkable catch also marked Mishra’s first international wicket.
Bowling and Batting Highlights
New Zealand ended their innings at 259/9, thanks largely to half-centuries from Sophie Devine (79 runs) and Suzie Bates (58 runs). However, Radha Yadav’s outstanding bowling performance was pivotal, as she took four crucial wickets, helping to keep the New Zealand total in check.
For India, the return of captain Harmanpreet Kaur added depth to the batting lineup, and her leadership was crucial as they looked to chase down the target.
Team Line-ups
India Women:
- Shafali Verma
- Smriti Mandhana
- Yastika Bhatia (w)
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Tejal Hasabnis
- Deepti Sharma
- Radha Yadav
- Arundhati Reddy
- Saima Thakor
- Priya Mishra
New Zealand Women:
- Suzie Bates
- Georgia Plimmer
- Lauren Down
- Sophie Devine (c)
- Brooke Halliday
- Maddy Green
- Isabella Gaze (w)
- Jess Kerr
- Lea Tahuhu
- Eden Carson
- Fran Jonas
Conclusion
Radha Yadav’s acrobatic feats in the field and her effective bowling performance have made her a standout player in this thrilling encounter. As the series progresses, fans will be eager to see if she can maintain her impressive form. The next match promises to be an exciting contest as both teams vie for supremacy in this captivating ODI series.
For those looking to catch the highlights, videos of Yadav’s stunning catches and match highlights are available across various platforms, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of this thrilling series.
